Nokia has introduced its Live View augmented reality browser for Symbian^3 devices. The app, which is still in beta phase, functions as an addition to Ovi Maps and, according to Nokia, provides a quick and convenient way to find and access information about the surrounding area.

"Our goal is to make it easy for your phone to give you details about your surroundings, making discovery a fun and informative experience," a company spokesman said in a video introducing the app on Tuesday.

Before use, the compass needs calibrating, which is achieved by tilting the phone back and forth a little. Once the handset is correctly calibrated and has downloaded the data associated with the user's current location, the screen displays all the local 'Places' — points of interest such as restaurants, shops, hotels or transport options. The Places selection can also be narrowed by category to refine the search and de-clutter the screen.

The radar icon at the top of the display shows all the nearby Places and your current orientation in relation to them.